Prevent and treat heatstroke in dogs

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Prevent and treat heatstroke in dogs

By Matt Mullen

Heatstroke is a dangerous condition commonly seen in veterinarians' offices, especially in the hot summer months. Why? Dogs can't cool themselves off as well as we can. While we sweat all over our bodies, dogs can only cool off through their paws and primarily, through panting. Panting removes heat from the body through an evaporative effect, but when it's hot and humid outside, your dog may not be able to keep up, leading to a dangerous rise in body temperature. The hotter and more humid it is, the more the risk increases.

Veterinarians define heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia or heat prostration, as abnormally increased body temperature caused by environmental conditions. A dog's normal body temperature is about 101.5 degrees. If it gets above 105 degrees, it's considered an emergency.

Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment. As a dog's internal temperature rises above 105 degrees, she can experience severe brain, kidney and liver damage. Excessive heat can also lead to a coma or even death.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs include:

Distress or panic
Increased panting
Drooling through the nose or mouth, or excessively dry nose or mouth
Rapid heart rate
Warm, dry skin
Seizures, unsteadiness or collapse
Gums that appear purple or bright red in color, due to inadequate oxygen
Vomiting or diarrhea

Prevention: the best cure

The best way to prevent heatstroke is to avoid the dangerous conditions that cause it.

Don't ever leave your pet in the car, even with the windows cracked. A car's temperature can soar 40 degrees in just minutes, even on a relatively cool day. It's easily preventable, but unfortunately leaving a dog in the car is the most common cause of heatstroke. If you can't be with your dog at all times on a trip, it's best just to leave her at home.

Avoid exercising or playing with your dog in hot, humid weather. On these days, exercise in the cooler mornings or evenings. As you play, help your dog avoid overexertion; many dogs will eagerly run with you to the point of exhaustion if you let them. If you must walk with your dog in the hottest part of the day, bring plenty of drinking water and a damp rag to place around your dog's neck to help keep her cool.

During hot weather, don't leave your dog outside without access to adequate shade and clean drinking water, and make sure she takes advantage of the shade.

Keep your dog's coat brushed, clean and free of mats; severely matted coats promote overheating. Some pet owners shave their dogs to keep them cool, but in most cases, it's not necessary and may just lead to sunburns. A long-haired dog's coat may actually keep her cooler on hot days.

Use extra caution with pets more susceptible to heatstroke. Dogs that are older or obese, those who are diagnosed with conditions that restrict breathing, and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds—such as Pekingese, pugs, Lhasa apsos and Boston terriers—may not be able to cool themselves effectively through panting. Indoor dogs, accustomed to temperatures regulated by air conditioning, may also be more susceptible when they venture outside. In addition, dogs with dark-colored coats absorb more heat from the sun, which also may lead to overheating.

First aid for heatstroke

If you suspect heatstroke, take action immediately. Your goal is to cool the dog and lower her body temperature without causing over cooling that can lead to hypothermia.

Do's

Remove the dog from the situation that caused overheating. Get her in the shade and help her to rest.
Place wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits and in the groin region, and wet the ear flaps and paws with water.
Use cool or temperate, not frigid, water. If you use an outdoor hose, test the temperature of the water before using it; the water could be hot from the sun.
If available, position a fan to blow air on the dog.
Call your veterinarian immediately. If possible, take a rectal temperature. The goal is to reduce body temperature to 102.5-103 degrees while transporting her to the closest veterinary facility.
Even if the situation appears under control, see your veterinarian immediately. Your dog may need IV fluids, and heatstroke may cause lingering problems that aren't immediately apparent, such as kidney or blood-clotting issues.

Don'ts

Don't put your dog in an ice bath or use ice-cold water. It would seem natural to use the coldest water possible, but this will actually cause blood vessels near the surface of the skin to constrict, trapping heat and preventing the dog from cooling off.
Don't force your dog to drink water. Instead, keep drinking water close by when your dog recovers, and only give her some if she appears interested in drinking.

Ask your veterinarian if you have more questions about preventing or treating heatstroke. Do you have an experience dealing with heatstroke or helping your dog cope with the hot summer weather? Share your story with other readers in the comments section below.

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Sources:

“Fun in the Sun: Tips for Summer Travel With Your Pet.” By Anne E. Rivas, Information Specialist. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Veterinary Medicine website. Accessed July 27, 2010, at: http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/petcols_article_page.php?PETCOLID=2397&URL=0

“Hyperthermia (Heat Stroke, Heat Prostration).” By the VIN emergency medicine folder staff. Veterinary Information Network, Inc. Accessed July 27, 2010, at: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=366

“Keeping Your Pet Safe from Summer Heat.” By Jen Reeder. Website of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Accessed July 27, 2010, at: http://www.healthypet.com/PetCare/PetCareArticle.aspx?art_key=5f9f3d31-ecfb-42eb-bc39-568643fee623

“Stop Dogs' Heatstroke.” By Marcia King, Dog Fancy contributing editor. Accessed on the ASPCA website, July 27, 2010, at: http://challenge.aspcapro.org/forum/topics/stop-dogs-heatstroke

“A Summer Shave Is Not For Everyone.” By Ashley Mitek, Information Specialist. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of Veterinary Medicine website. Accessed July 27, 2010, at: http://vetmed.illinois.edu/petcolumns/petcols_article_page.php?PETCOLID=2389&URL=0